Advocate

EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

About the Organization DRNY, the Protection and Advocacy System and the Client Assistance Program for New York State is seeking an individual with a passion for achieving justice for individuals with disabilities. With a focus on civil rights and disability justice, DRNY actively works to break down the systemic oppression of all people with disabilities. DRNY recognizes the intersecting legacies and effect of ableism, white supremacy, colonial capitalism, and gendered oppression on people with disabilities.

Joining DRNY is an opportunity to challenge systemic abuse, neglect, discrimination, and rights violations through case-handling, individual and systemic litigation, public investigations, advocacy, and collaboration with stakeholders. DRNY is committed to examining bias, privilege, racism, and intersectional social change in all aspects of our work. DRNY is a civil rights advocacy leader and we are seeking new staff who will contribute to our values and mission.

Under the supervision of an Attorney, the Advocate will provide legal services and engage in individual and systemic advocacy on behalf of individuals with disabilities. The Advocate is expected to report to the PAIMI program initially and different programs thereafter as needed.

The Advocate performs a wide range of duties, including the following:

• Assist people with disabilities in advocacy and systems change efforts.
• Conduct client and other interviews, identify issues, determine a course of action, develop and implement appropriate advocacy strategies, negotiate solutions to problems, and facilitate self-advocacy, when appropriate;
• Analyze new and existing cases as well as other matters to determine if they present systemic issues which may be appropriate for DRNY to address, and, with the Program Director formulate strategies for dealing with such issues;
• Act in accordance with identified Priorities and Goals of the Program;
• Consult with people with disabilities, family members, advocacy groups, and others to identify barriers for people with disabilities and identify strategies to address such barriers and issues;
• Support DRNY projects and initiatives that foster self-determination, self-advocacy, and coalition building;
• Participate in committees, task forces, and other organization-wide groups;
• May be asked to provide multilingual client support
• Develop training and education materials and conduct training and outreach activities;
• Keep informed on advocacy strategies, technology advances, and other best practices;
• Maintain accurate, confidential files documenting advocacy services provided;
• Assist in preparing reports to funding sources;
• Maintain accurate time and client records, including accurate use of the timekeeping system, which is necessary for DRNY to meet its programmatic and fiscal responsibilities;
• Timely open and close case files regarding client matters;
• Perform related tasks consistent with skills, abilities, and general responsibilities as required to support DRNY;
• Be available to travel, throughout New York State and outside of New York State as necessary to perform assigned job tasks; and
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree required;
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite;
• Strong research skills;
• Ability to provide education and training to large groups;
• Strong communication skills;
• Strong relationship-building skills;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Strong problem-solving skills;
• Outstand…